Welcome back ESCUnited readers to another American Song Contest interview – and our final interview of the season in fact! Earlier last week we got the chance to sit down with Tennessee’s Tyler Braden and talk to him a bit about his participation in the American Song Contest, and what it’s like to represent the state and Nashville. Also did you know that he used to be a firefighter and first responder while getting his start in music? Dedication!
Learn more about Tyler Braden by reading our new interview below!
Hello there Tyler, thank you for taking some time out of our day and preparations to interview with us! Why don’t you give our readers an introduction as to who you are before we get started?
My name is Tyler Braden, and I am an artist and writer based out of Nashville Tennessee. I’ve lived here for 6 years, the first three of which I spent working in the fire service for Brentwood Fire Rescue. I signed my first publishing deal in 2019 and made the move to full time with my music then.
Wonderful thank you! And of course, you are part of the inaugural cast of the American Song Contest, representing the great state of Tennessee! How does it feel to be part of the cast and represent your home state?
It feels amazing to get to be a part of the first season and to represent Tennessee! I feel like I’m representing the Country songwriting community as a whole.
For those who might not know much about Tennessee, what are some things that make it unique from the other states or territories in ASC?
Tennessee has a super rich history in music and a large part of that is Nashville, also known as Music City. Music City is home to many songwriters and artists along with their publishing offices and record labels.
That’s very true – Nashville is one of the biggest music industries in America, so I’m sure being there helps you a lot as a singer/songwriter. But when did you first realize that you had a passion for music and performing? At what point did it transition into a full-time career for you?
I have performed in bands since I was a teenage and always wanted it more and more. I finally made the move to Nashville to focus more on music as a career in 2016 and ultimately went full time in 2019.
And if you had to describe your music using only five words, which words would you pick?
Emotional, energetic, relatable, gritty, authentic.
We’ve mentioned that you are both a singer and a songwriter – who are some of your musical inspirations and idols? Do they influence the music you like to write and perform?
I’m a huge fan of Eric Church, HARDY, and Luke Combs because they refused to change who they were and have still had success without succumbing to the pressure to change. Those guys, including rock acts like Foo Fighters and Goo Goo dolls, all influence my writing and performing.
All good picks! Okay here’s my hardest question – if you allowed to perform a one-night only concert anywhere in the world, where would you perform and why?
I don’t a lot about the venues around the world so for now I would say Red Rock in Colorado. It’s THE bucket list venue in the states.
I hope you make it out there one day! Colorado if you’re reading, get him a booking STAT! What is one thing that our readers might be surprised to learn about you? Like something they couldn’t just read online or find on your social media accounts?
Most would be surprised to find out that I don’t drink and have never been drunk.
I’m sure that’s not easy given that most venues/concerts happen around alcohol, that’s very remarkable of you. Why don’t we move over and talk about the American Song Contest again. How did you first learn about the contest and what motivated you to submit an entry when the portal opened?
I had heard of Eurovision and chasing the possibility to join the inaugural season for America was a no brainer. Especially to represent such a musical state like Tennessee.
What, if anything, have you learned about yourself as an artist because of your participation in ASC this past year?
It has definitely instilled more confidence in my writing to meet writers like myself and to see success thus far.
I certainly hope it has since you and your song are moving on to the semi-final round on May 2nd! For our readers who want to connect with you ahead of or after the semi-final round, where can they find you and your music?
I can be found on social media under Tyler Braden and all streaming platforms but everything can also be found at TylerBraden.com
Alright, one final question for you – is there a final message you’d like to share with our readers?
I just wanted to press how important it is to support your local artists and writers because in your best and worst times, their music is there to support you. I am so appreciative of the support I have felt so far, and I hope every artist gets to feel this too.
Well Tyler, I want to thank you again for your time today and we wish you the best of luck in the American Song Contest moving forward!
